Photography: Joachim D’souza

Muscat, Sep 23: ‘Monthi Fest’ is a celebration of faith, family, and gratitude for the abundance of nature’s blessings. The Mangalorean community's devotion to Mother Mary is deeply rooted in tradition, and this festival serves as a reminder of the community's rich cultural heritage.

Monthi Fest, also known as the Nativity Feast, is one of the most cherished festivals celebrated by the enthusiastic and vibrant Mangalorean Community of the Holy Spirit Church, Ghala, along with the kind support of the parish priest, guest priests, and spiritual director in a spirit of devotion, solemnity, tradition, and culture. The tradition that began in Monte Mariano Church at Farangipet in 1763, to integrate the aspirations of the community's agrarian families, continues to bind them together in spirit and unity, seeking the intercession of Mother Mary.

GMCC president Ophelia Lazarus and her committee members worked relentlessly and left no stone unturned to make this Monthi Fest into a sensational and memorable one, meeting the aspirations of the community members.

The Ghala Mangalorean Catholic community of the Holy Spirit Church began its preparations for the Monthi Fest with a nine-day novena mass with flower showering and fellowship meals starting from August 28. Mangalorean guest priest Fr Prashanth Wilson Fernandes, Franciscan, parish priest, St Antony’s Friary Church, Bangalore, gave inspiring homilies during the novena, helping the faithful deepen their spirituality and strengthen their belief in the power of prayer. In culmination of the Monthi Fest on Saturday, September 7, the community celebrated the grand feast mass in keeping with the age-old tradition of family spirit, ensuring the continuation of these cherished traditions for future generations.

The celebration began at 4:00 pm with the recitation of the Rosary at the Grotto, showering of flowers to infant Mary by children, blessing of “Novem” hand-picked from the paddy fields of the homeland, followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration in Konkani.

Active community members Francis D'Souza and Priya Cardoza led the Rosary, followed by a procession of children, committee members, and priests carrying flowers. Infant Mary was carried in the mantle by Loyd D'Cunha and Mamtha D'Cunha, while Telwin Pinto and Wilma D'Souza carried corn. They proceeded towards the Grotto for the flower showering and the blessing of “Novem,” splendidly conducted by Lavina D'Sa.

Praveen Serra, an eminent and dynamic leader of Ghala parish known for his leadership skills and friendly approach, read the introduction at the beginning of the Mass.

A solemn Eucharistic Mass in Konkani was concelebrated by Fr Rohan Lobo OFM Cap, along with Fr Stephen Lewis OFM Cap, parish priest of Ruwi, and Fr Solomon OFM Cap, assistant priest of Holy Spirit Church, Ghala. Fr Prashanth Fernandes OFM, in his homily, focused on Mother Mary’s virtues and her role in families, emphasizing the importance of prayer and the significant role a mother plays in the family.

The choir, being an integral part of the celebration, added melody to the devotion. The vibrant choir team sang to the Glory of God, and the congregation actively joined in for a meaningful participation. The choir team consisted of Naveen Mathais, Sachin Lobo, Joel Mendonca, Melroy Quadras, Richard Fernandes, Joyal D'Souza, Tony Fernandes, Renita D'Souza, Suman Mathias, Sandra Concesso, Hendrita Colaco, Juvan Sequeira, Dhelria Fernandes, Anaya Fernandes, Lavisha D'Souza, and Carol Dias. Evan Mathias and Nathan D'Souza played the keyboard, Annalise Dias played the violin, and Johan Mathias the guitar. Meera Saldanha, Selwin Lewis, and Shaveena Lewis handled visuals and presentations. The readings by Reevan D'Cunha, Preema D'Souza, and the prayers of the faithful by Steevan Pereira engaged the spiritual enthusiasm of the faithful.

After the high Mass, khanshi (paddy corns) and kobu (sugarcane), specially harvested for the feast, were distributed to the gathering. The children were given goody bags for their active participation in the flower showering during the novena.

Preparations began much earlier by the GMCC team under the leadership of Ophelia Lazarus, the vibrant and eminent leader of the Mangalorean community. The executive committee 2024–2026 members who represent Ghala Mangalorean Catholic Community, Sultanate of Oman, are:

• Ophelia Lazarus: president
• Praveen Serra: vice president - finance & audit
• Sam Suneel Menezes: vice president - cultural & community
• Wilma D'Souza: general secretary
• Reevan D'Cunha: finance secretary
• Manoj D'Souza: cultural secretary
• Steevan Pereira: internal auditor
• Loyd D'Cunha: sports secretary
• Loyell Castelino: community services secretary
• Preema D'Souza: spiritual & choir secretary
• Ashwin D'Cunha: techno-support secretary

Goody bag sponsors:

• Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives SAOC
• Muscat Pharmacy LLC
• Nesto Hyper Market
• Luban Foods
• NABIL Biscuit Industries Ltd SAOG
• Oman Foodstuff Factory LLC
• Stino Pinto – support sponsor
• Ivan Pinto – support sponsor
• Bags for Goodys - Lulu Hypermarket - courtesy of Philomena Mendonca

Water sponsors: Ghala Mangalorean Friends
Altar & Bambino deco designers: Leena & Silvia Fernandes
Flowers courtesy of: Ghala Mangalorean Friends

Media & event photography: Joachim D'Souza
Audio & techno: Audiotech LLC, Sultanate of Oman